Here are my latest notes for boot to .VHD without messing up your bare metal.

This process can be used for Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8.

Here’s what you need to have in your IT Toolbox for this exercise.

-USB Drive (4GB or larger)

-.ISO File of Windows Server 2012 RTM Eval 180-Days

-The Windows 7 USB/DVD Download

Native VHD boot is supported only by Windows 7, and it is restricted to the following editions:

Windows® 7 Enterprise

Windows® 7 Ultimate

Not Professional

My understanding of this is that Native VHD Boot of the Windows 7 OS is only supported on Enterprise and Ultimate. However, using BCDBOOT, I’ve seen other OS’s booted on a PC that originally had Windows 7 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate installed as its native OS. Thanks Keith.

The disk you are using should be listed. If not, you will need to Load driver. Select the disk you will be installing on. Select the 39.9 partition want to change drive options Click Next

It will then start copying files. This will take a while (could be 20 minutes or so depending on hardware performance)

It will reboot a couple times (automatically) after the first reboot it will no longer be running off of the USB (if you see the Install screen, take out the USB, cancel the Install and Reboot.

The install for the Boot to VHD routine will continue….

In the Passwordbox enter a new password for this computer. It must meet complexity requirements. Re-enter the password in the second password box then click Finish

If you are using Windows Server 2012 Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete at the same time to get the login screen

Enter password and press <ENTER>

If you are using Windows Server 2012 - The Desktopwill be displayed and Server Manager will be opened automatically.

If you are using Windows Server 2012 PressWindows Key on the keyboard will bring up the start screen (formerly known as Start Menu)

If you Right-Click on Computeryou will see the new right-click menu is on the bottom of the screen instead of in a dropdown box. Select Properties

We can now change the computer name by clicking on Change Settings

If you are using Windows Server 2012Type new computer name you would like to use and click OK

Click OK on the information box

Click OKto allow a restart

Then click Restart Now on the final dialog box.

When the computer restarts it will have the new name,

Note: You will see the dual boot to boot to .VHD which is usually your Volume 2, and the NATIVE operating system is usually Volume 1.

Deleting the Boot to the Virtual Hard Disk Scenario

To get your machine back to boot off of the NATIVE operating system (ie. Volume 1) Hit the Windows Key + C then go to SEARCH, or click the lower right-hand corner and go to SEARCH and type in MSCONFIG (under APPS).

In MSCONFIG, go to the BOOT tab and Delete the one you want to disguard but keep the Current OS as that will be your bare metal installation of Windows.

Click “Ok”.

To delete the .VHD and dual boot go to Desktop and Windows Explorer and delete the BootDemo.vhd file, Click Continue in the message box, then empty the Recycling Bin.

If you have issues- boot to the Native Operating System DVD and use the System Repair in Windows.